Manek, the Big 12's graduate transfer from Oklahoma, who had 28 points in Thursday's NCAA opener, was left with 10:08 in Sochan's face after his left elbow as they grappled at the bottom of the boiler basket. Manek fired just one 3-pointer to put the Tar Heels ahead 67-42.
After Manek was dismissed and Caleb Love was dismissed shortly thereafter, the Tar Heels scored 10 turnovers as Balor built up the pressure and mounted a furious rally.
The Bears fell within 76–73 on a three-point game with 1:48 left by Akinjo, who had 16 seconds left to tie the game at 80–80. North Carolina had another shot, but Davis' 3-point attempt hit the front of the rim.
"Never underestimate a champion's heart," said Baylor coach Scott Drew. "I think our guys have really demonstrated it. I'm really proud of their effort... just like they pushed themselves through the whole year."
After Manek's dismissal, Baylor scored 11 consecutive points in less than two minutes. Sochan scored a second free throw before Flagler assisted on the lap, after which UNC was 3s away from turnover. The Bears went within 67-53 when Akinjo hit two free throws when Bekot was called for a technical foul as both fell to the floor.
Things went awry in the middle of the first half, and Sochan got a technical glitch when he locked his feet together and almost dragged Becot to the floor with him. Love made both free throws, Manek drilled a 3-pointer from an inbound pass, and Davis added 3 breakaways from the turnover for a 24-10 lead.
North Carolina will play either UCLA or St. Mary's in Sweet 16.